Boise State's offensive outburst crushes Northen Illinois in Poinsettia Bowl

Boise State jumped out to an early lead Wednesday and never looked back, mauling Northern Illinois 55-7 to win the Poinsettia Bowl.

A three-play, 75-yard touchdown drive to open the game set the tone for the Broncos, as they earned the most lopsided win in Poinsettia Bowl history.

The Broncos shredded the Huskies' defense, putting up a remarkable 654 yards of offense compared to NIU's 33.

Here's what you need to know:

• Boise State kicker Tyler Rausa set the Mountain West single-season scoring record (123) and broke the Broncos record for field goals in a season (24).
• Brett Rypien became the first freshman Mountain West quarterback to eclipse the 3,000-yard passing mark. The frosh went 29-for-40 with 377 yards and three touchdowns in his first career bowl game.
• Huskies quarterback Ryan Graham led an anemic NIU offense, finishing 7-for-21 with 38 yards.
• Boise State running back Jeremy McNichols had three scores in the first quarter, and took the FBS lead in touchdowns.
• McNichols scored the fastest touchdown in Poinsettia Bowl history 58 seconds into the game.
• NIU receiver and kick returner Aregeros Turner now leads the FBS in kick-return yards after his 95-yard touchdown, the Huskies' only score of the game.
• The victory gave Boise State its sixth bowl win since 2009.
• The turnover differential was not in NIU's favor, as the Huskies lost three fumbles.

Play of the Game

McNichols' first score of the game was a 29-yard touchdown scamper through the middle of the Huskies' defense.